That they may be one as we are one

John 17:13,21-23

John 17 is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in the Bible. In it Jesus prays for himself, that he might bring glory to God through his death on the cross. He prays for his disciples, that they would be protected as they are set apart to spread God’s truth in this world. Then Jesus prays for future believers. The vast majority of Jesus’ prayer deals with unity of believers. “That they may be one as we are one.” “May they be brought to complete unity.” It’s interesting that of all the things he could have prayed for concerning us, he chose unity. Perhaps he had a little bit of insight.

Why Unity?
Why did Jesus pray for unity among future believers? Why not pray that his message would be heard by people all over the world? Or pray against all the other gods that would distract us from the truth? Jesus entrusted his precious message of truth and eternal life in the hands of his followers. He knew that the best way for this message to be spread was through a unified body of followers, thus his focus on unity in his prayer. “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (vs 23). There is power in a unified body of believers. As the world sees followers of Christ living unified and loving lives, they will see Jesus through our community.

What does unity look like?
Love. Unity is more about how we love than whether or not we agree on minor issues. Jesus prays that “they may be one as we are one.” Our unity as a body of Christ is modeled in the unity between the Father and the Son. That unity is a unity characterized by love. “Because you loved me before the creation of the world” (vs 24). Love is the basis for unity.

Can you be unified and disagree on certain doctrines? Yes. Can you be unified if you are from different denominations? Yes. Even if that denomination ordains homosexuals? Yes. Can you be unified with a liberal? Yes. Can you be unified with someone you hate? No.

Perhaps as Christians we need to follow Jesus’ example and begin earnestly praying for unity among believers, instead of praying against all the things we disagree with. Follow the wisdom of the modern lyrical prophets the Black Eyed Peas and ask, “Where is the love?”

OK...I'll step off my soapbox now.